St. Lucia Black Finch
NameSt. Lucia Black Finch
Common NameSt. Lucia Black Finch
Scientific NameMelanospiza richardsoni
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely glossy black with a stout, conical black bill. Females are similar but slightly duller black, and juveniles are browner overall.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of high-pitched, thin, sibilant notes, often described as a 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or a buzzing trill.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean.
Identifying FeaturesEntirely black plumage (adults), Small, stout, conical black bill, Endemic to St. Lucia, Ground-foraging behavior in dense forest undergrowth
Description
A small, entirely black, finch-like bird endemic to the island of St. Lucia. It typically forages on or near the ground in dense undergrowth, often in humid forest environments.
